Undergraduate Education

First destination statistics are currently being received and collated from all schools. Early indications are very positive, with most graduates in full-time employment or postgraduate education. A more detailed report of first destinations will be compiled when all the data have been received.

The Faculty has identified the need to resurrect the National Placement group that disbanded a few years back. An initial meeting of the placement coordinators from each school will take place in early 2009, with the intention that further meetings will expand to include the clinical educators at the Trusts that provide placements for the students. The Allied Health Professions (AHP) education leads are currently putting together a working group to look at possibly having one course for clinical educators that would meet the needs of all AHPs. The Faculty have two representatives on this group.

A meeting for orthotic technicians and assistants was held in the New Year. The intention was to establish their needs from the SCP. Although they are permitted to join as Associate Members, there is not an established structure in place to facilitate their needs and benefits as members.

Quality Assurance Committee (QAC)

The QAC handbook is currently under review, and a new section will be added for the criteria for the accreditation of MSc programmes.

Recruitment Working Party (RWP)

Last year was particularly difficult for schools recruiting new students to the undergraduate programme. All but three schools went into clearing, needing to fill 10-15 of their allocated places. Most schools managed to fill their places by the start of the academic year, with others falling short by just a few students. The RWP made every effort to assist the schools by placing an advertisement in the main clearing supplement 'Which Way', which is sent out to every UCAS applicant. A web page dedicated to clearing was also set up on the SCP site, and from July to September had over 2000 hits.

E-Learning Modules; BMJ OnExamination

The SCP's new e-learning system has been launched in conjunction with BMJ OnExamination and promises to be a beneficial service. Members can access modules on basic clinical subjects such as diabetes and rheumatology at a discounted price, and will be given time to write up notes. On completion of each module, a certificate will be awarded and can be printed and filed in a personal portfolio (of evidence) for future reference. As CPD is now an integral component of continued HPC registration, we are here to provide members with the tools and support they require, ensuring that they stay compliant with the HPC CPD standards. To access the modules at the discounted price, members are directed to register via the homepage on the FeetforLife website.

Return to work

It appears that members currently face certain 'obstacles' in resuming their status on the HPC register following a period of non-practice. With the help of a notice in Podiatry Now, the e-newsletter and on the website calling for volunteer mentors, and applications from those who are in need of mentoring assistance, the Register of Mentors has recruited 28 new mentors, and lists seven schools that provide return-to-work programmes.

Since the start of the scheme in July last year, we have successfully recruited four previously unregistered SCP members (one of whom has gained HPC registration), and we are confident that this number will increase in time, especially as more mentors enlist. We are planning to arrange a 'Mentors Training Day', where all our mentors will be invited along to a session where we hope to have speakers to discuss mentoring skills, requirements and direction.
Continued work on this initiative will help with membership retention and recruitment, encourage the message of ongoing CPD and maintain updated knowledge on professional conduct.